Comorbidities in Down syndrome livebirths and health care intervention: an initial experience from the birth defects registry in Southern Thailand.

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder causing mental retardation with a worldwide average prevalence of 1-2 cases per 1000 births. This study aimed to determine the comorbidities associated with DS and the coverage of health care services and developmental interventions for DS livebirths in Southern Thailand.

Methods: A total of 149 livebirth DS infants, recruited through the prospective birth defects registry system during 2009-2013 in 3 provinces in Southern Thailand, were regularly followed-up every 3-6 months.